Heatwave claims 54 lives across India amid record temperatures

At least 54 people have died as severe heatwave conditions persist across central, eastern, and northern India, according to a report by India Today. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 45.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday, 5.2 degrees above normal, following a 79-year high of 46.8 degrees Celsius the previous day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted duststorms for Uttar Pradesh between May 31 and June 1, and for Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi on May 31. Additionally, light rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning is expected in the plains of Northwest India from May 31 to June 2.

Bihar has reported 32 heatstroke-related deaths, while Odisha has recorded 10, Jharkhand's Palamu and Rajasthan each reported five deaths, and Uttar Pradesh's Sultanpur reported one fatality. Many regions are experiencing temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius, significantly impacting daily life. The IMD predicts continued heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in several states, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, on May 31 and June 1. The Southwest Monsoon has arrived in Kerala and is expected to advance further into additional parts of the country over the next few days.